The list of talented first basemen who've produced for the River Cats carries more than a little punch.

Graham Koonce hit 34 home runs and drove in 115 runs in earning the Pacific Coast League's MVP award in 2003. Dan Johnson delivered 29 homers and 111 RBIs to claim the same honor a year later, with Daric Barton contributing a team-high 38 doubles and 70 RBIs in 2007.

All three helped Sacramento claim PCL championships. Since Barton was called up to Oakland on June 8, Tommy Everidge has been working hard to leave his own legacy.

The 6-foot, 244-pound first baseman hasn't flinched since coming up from Double-A Midland on June 9. He's hitting .350 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games, helping the River Cats go 10-6 since he stepped into the lineup.

After getting just two hits in his first 20 at-bats, the right-handed Everidge has gone 19 for 40 (.475), giving the Cats a welcome power source.

If he can join Koonce, Johnson and Barton in River Cats lore, all the better.

"That would be nice if I played well enough to be considered pretty good at that position," Everidge said before contributing two doubles and a single in a 3-2 loss to Colorado Springs on Friday night at Raley Field.

Everidge, a Sonoma Valley High School graduate who played at Sonoma State, put up good numbers in working his way to the River Cats.

He hit 26 home runs with 90 RBIs at Class-A Stockton in 2007, and added 22 homers and 115 RBIs last season at Double-A Midland. He had eight homers and 53 RBIs in 55 games with Midland this season before joining the Cats.

Manager Tony DeFrancesco has been more than happy to put Everidge's name in the lineup.

"He's got some big hits for us," DeFrancesco said. "He brings power, the ability to drive in runs. He's a gap hitter."

And a welcome addition to a tight-knit clubhouse.

"He's a great guy, a great teammate," said River Cats infielder-outfielder Eric Patterson. "He definitely helps us out a lot."

Everidge, 26, said he's comfortable in Triple A.

"I'm just trying to play the same game I was playing in Midland," he said. "I think it's just all coming together at once. … It's kind of been rewarding."

Everidge said he's striving to be more consistent, a goal that includes being more selective at the plate.

"Early in my career, I tried to hit home runs on balls; you can't hit it out on certain pitches," he said. "I think I understand what kind of hitter I am. I'm big enough to do what I do as long as I keep the right mental approach.

"The more you play and the more you move up, you realize success kind of starts with what's going on in your head."

Everidge said he was thrilled to join the River Cats and play near home. His parents, Will and Chris, sisters Katie and Carly and other family members and friends have provided plenty of support. So has his fiancée, Kellie.

"It's just awesome to come back home," he said. "I like the weather. I like the people. It's just a comfortable fit."

In the offseason, Everidge gives hitting lessons to kids.

"I really enjoy that," he said. "I kind of like the innocence. They're just playing it when it's a game."

Everidge was on the River Cats' roster for their final two playoff games two years ago but didn't play. He did get a taste of a team claiming a title, though.

" … I've never won a championship," he said. "That was just great. It makes you want to do that."

Call The Bee's John Schumacher, (916) 326-5523.